I can usually laugh off the casual chauvinism of the country’s Rush Limbaughs and rightbloggers. I can usually write something and go about my merry way.

But there was something different about you — a je ne sais quoi, if you will — that kept drawing me to your campaign, the way a fly is inexplicably lured to a pile of…yeah…

Maybe it was your sincerity: I had to pay attention to you — and call you out as much as possible — because you’re the candidate who actually wanted me back in the kitchen.

Admittedly, the election just won’t be the same without you, Rick. You drove me absolutely crazy. And boy, you sure gave me a lot to write about. Still, all these things must come to pass, as they say and frankly, I’m relieved you’re not going to make policies anytime soon.

So yeah, let me know when you’re back around. I promise verbal vitriol with your name on it — just for old times’ sake.